Sala kahle
The English phrase "goodbye" is translated into Ndebele as Sala kahle.
Sala kahle is used when the speaker is the one leaving.
Meaning: farewell (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb sala (stay) and the adverb kahle (well/good).
Which one should you use?
While Sala kahle is used when the speaker is the one leaving, Hamba kahle (Go well) is used when the person being addressed is the one leaving.
Did you know?
- Because Ndebele is a tonal language, the meaning of sala can change based on the pitch used. A mistake in tone could accidentally change the word from 'stay' to a different verb entirely.
- Unlike English 'goodbye', which is a contraction of 'God be with ye', the Ndebele farewells are rooted in the physical actions of staying and going.
- In Ndebele, the act of saying goodbye is a reciprocal exchange where the speaker and listener use different phrases. If you say Sala kahle to someone staying behind, they must respond with Hamba kahle to the person departing.
Examples in context
- Sala kahle, umngane wami.Goodbye, my friend.
Example conversation
Mbuso is leaving Nomalanga's house after visiting her.
- MbusoNgiyabonga kakhulu ngokunginika ukudla.Thank you very much for giving me food.
- NomalangaKulungile, Mbuso.It is okay, Mbuso.
- MbusoSala kahle, Nomalanga.Goodbye, Nomalanga.
- NomalangaHamba kahle.Go well.
